State News

6:14 am

Mon January 27, 2014

Illinois' U.S. Senators against reducing use of biofuels

Illinois’ U.S. Senators are urging the federal Environmental Protection Agency not to change rules mandating the use of ethanol and other biofuels. In a letter to the agency, Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican Mark Kirk said the EPA does not have authority to make its proposed changes.

The EPA wants to use fewer biofuels than what’s being pushed by Congress. About 30 other Senators also signed the letter. Durbin says he wants the EPA to leave the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates alone, and that Illinois’ economy has a lot at risk.

“We have a lot at stake here. We have fourteen ethanol plants in the state of Illinois, five biodiesel plants. There are 5,000 jobs involved in it, not to mention the impact it would have on our farmers.”

Up until Tuesday, the U.S. EPA will take comments on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rules. Those wanting to comment can do so at www.Regulations.gov.